Almost everything turns on one question: whether the family already holds a plot in Riga. If it does, a burial is possible in practically any city cemetery and regardless of where the deceased was registered. If it does not, the choice is far narrower than people assume, because new plots are granted at only two cemeteries.
This page lists every cemetery and sets out how to obtain a plot, the opening hours and the rules on upkeep. If your question concerns a particular plot, call +371 2208 4540 — we will establish its status and deal with the cemetery supervisor.
List of cemeteries in Riga
Each cemetery has its own page with the address, opening hours and procedure.
Which cemeteries are open
| Status | What it means for a family |
|---|
| 2 open — Bolderāja and Jaunciems | A new plot can be allocated if the deceased's last registered address was in Riga |
| 15 partly closed | Burials in existing family plots; new allocations are restricted |
| 4 closed | No new burials are made |
In an existing family plot a person may be buried regardless of their last registered address — that condition applies only to new plots.
How to obtain a plot
The plot is allocated by the cemetery supervisor on a written application. For an open cemetery the application can also be filed online through the KP-1 e-service. Burial in an existing family plot requires the written consent of the plot holder and a copy of the death certificate.
No charge is applied for allocating the plot — the municipality does not levy it, following the Constitutional Court ruling of 5 March 2019. Other services are paid: digging the grave, use of the chapel, upkeep of the plot.
The supervisor is notified of a burial at least 48 hours in advance, and 24 hours before an urn is placed. The plot paperwork is covered on burial arrangements, and the documents on documents for a funeral.
A further burial in a family plot
Where a plot has space, or a further burial is possible, the cemetery supervisor grants permission. Where the previous burial was in a coffin, another may follow after 20 years; with the agreement of the Health Inspectorate this can be reduced to 15 years, which requires its permit.
If the plot is registered to a relative who has died, the maintenance rights must first be transferred by application to the supervisor. In a dispute, priority goes to whoever applied first.
Cemetery opening hours
| For whom | Hours |
|---|
| Visitors, 1 April to 31 October | 07.00–21.00, with a break 12.00–12.30 |
| Visitors, 1 November to 31 March | 08.00–18.00, with a break 12.00–12.30 |
| Cemetery supervisors' reception | Tuesday to Saturday 08.30–16.00, closed Monday |
| Cemeteries Administration office | Mon 08.30–17.00, Tue–Thu 08.00–17.00, Fri 08.00–15.00 |
On the Day of Remembrance and other commemoration days the hours are set by the Cemeteries Administration. Vehicles are allowed on cemetery grounds only during opening hours, and professional work — upkeep, installing a monument — may be carried out only during the administration's working hours.
Upkeep and the annual inspection
Plots are inspected once a year, from 1 April to 1 November. If a plot is found neglected, the family learns of it from a warning sign at the plot and from a report sent to the holder. Rights are not lost at once — they can be terminated only if the plot has gone untended for three years.
If you live far from Riga, or health makes upkeep difficult, our service can do it for you — as a one-off or regularly.
All essential services for cremation
Optimal set of goods and services for cremation
Extended cremation set with farewell in the hall
All essential services for burial
Optimal set of goods and services for burial
Extended burial set with farewell in the hall
Funeral plans may be subject to adjustment.
Changing the funeral plan will allow for a more personalized and meaningful farewell ceremony that reflects the uniqueness and importance of the deceased to their loved ones and community.
The new Cemeteries Law
Since 29 April 2026 Latvia has had its first single Cemeteries Law. It does not take away rights to plots already granted, nor change funerals themselves: it regulates record-keeping, inspections and technical requirements. Municipalities must create an electronic register of burials with a plan of the plots.
In practice this means information about a plot becomes verifiable, and disputes over who holds it will be settled faster.
Reburial
Reburial requires permission from the Cemeteries Administration: an application, the written consent of the plot holder and a permit from the Health Inspectorate. The conditions depend on how long ago the burial took place; we review each case and obtain the approvals.
We contacted the Riga City Funeral Service—the staff was attentive and promptly processed all the necessary paperwork. The ceremony was organized with respect and appropriate level—without unnecessary formality, but with a dignified approach. Next time, I might clarify the details online, but overall, we were satisfied.
Excellent service during a difficult time: professional, personable, and calm. The staff helped with all the paperwork and offered advice on how to best organize the funeral. I recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and discreet service.
Cemeteries of Riga on the map
How many cemeteries are there in Riga?
The municipality maintains 22 cemeteries covering 452.35 hectares. New plots are currently allocated at two — Bolderāja and Jaunciems; fifteen are partly closed and four are closed.
Is there a charge for a cemetery plot?
No charge is applied for allocating the plot itself, following the Constitutional Court ruling of 2019. Other services are paid: digging the grave, use of the chapel, upkeep of the plot.
What are the opening hours?
For visitors, 07.00–21.00 from 1 April to 31 October and 08.00–18.00 from 1 November to 31 March, with a break 12.00–12.30. Supervisors receive visitors Tuesday to Saturday, 08.30–16.00.
How far in advance must a burial be notified?
The cemetery supervisor must be notified at least 48 hours before the burial, and 24 hours before an urn is placed.
After how many years is a further burial possible?
Where the previous burial was in a coffin, after 20 years; with the agreement of the Health Inspectorate this can be reduced to 15 years, which requires its permit.
What happens if a plot is not maintained?
Plots are inspected annually between 1 April and 1 November. A neglected plot receives a warning sign and a report. Rights can be terminated only after three years without upkeep.
Can someone not registered in Riga be buried here?
In an existing family plot, yes, regardless of their last registered address. A new plot is allocated where the deceased's last registered address was in Riga.
Information verified on 5 October 2026 against official sources: the Riga City Cemeteries Administration, the municipality's binding regulations on the operation and maintenance of cemeteries, the Cemeteries Law, and Cabinet Regulations No. 265 and No. 215. Hours and procedures change over time — check before travelling, or call us.
